FIRST THINGS FIRST, you are required to have a DEP public access permit just to step foot on their property. If you don’t have one you can get one here. Once you have that, you are able to step foot on any of their properties as well as fish from shore as long as you have a valid NYS fishing license. In order to put a boat on DEP property you must make an appointment with their boat office to get the boat steam cleaned. If you’d like to put a boat on East of Hudson reservoirs (Amawalk, Bog Brook, Boyd’s Corner, Cross River, Croton Falls, Diverting, East Branch, Kensico, Lake Gilead, Lake Gleneida, Middle Branch, Muscoot, New Croton, Titicus or West Branch) you must call their office at 914-232-1309 to make a steam cleaning appointment. This office is only open from 8-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Please have your access permit number handy. For West of Hudson reservoirs (Ashokan, Cannonsville, Neversink, Pepacton, Roundout or Schoharie) please see the numbers listed following. These offices are only open on Fridays from 8-2 *** WE DO NOT DELIVER TO THESE RESERVOIRS *** Ashokan 845-657-2663. Schoharie 607-588-6231. Pepacton/ Cannonsville 607-363-7009. Roundout/ Neversink 845-334-7152.
EAST OF HUDSON: Please let Brendan (914-534-1330) know your mooring location, day and time of your appointment after you book it. Any day or time will work for us.
When placing a boat on East of Hudson reservoirs you must choose a location that the DEP currently has. As of March 2024, West Branch and New Croton are the only reservoirs you may place a boat on unless you are replacing a boat that is already on the reservoir system. Newcomers must select a mooring location at one of these two reservoirs and make a steam cleaning appointment for said reservoir. If buying a boat from Stewart Marine we will handle filling out the application for you as well as meet you at the DEP Boat Office located at 54 Croton Falls Rd. Mahopac, NY 10541. The DEP will steam clean the boat and then we will head over to the reservoir of your choosing and help you get the boat down to the best available spot we can find. We HIGHLY suggest locking any boat under the seat, or through a piece of aluminum that is secured to the boat. We DO NOT suggest locking any boat through its handles as that is the easiest way for a boat to be stolen. We also suggest keeping your lock underneath the overturned boat as the locks may rust shut with rain. It is recommended that if your boat has a drain plug you lock the drain plug in the padlock. Stewart Marine has in stock heavy duty cables and locks as well as any other accessories you may need at all times.
MAINTAINING YOUR BOAT.
There is very little maintenance when it comes to rowboats. All you have to do is drag the boat to the spot where you are locking your boat up (usually a tree) and turn the boat over. Aluminum boats last forever and we still have used inventory that was manufactured in the 1950’s.
DON’T GET YOUR BOAT CONFISCATED
The biggest reasons why the DEP would confiscate your boat would be because of the following. The boat was not in the mooring location that it was originally registered. You didn’t renew your boat tag. You didn’t renew your access permit. As long as you keep your boat in your registered mooring location, you should not encounter any problems. Boat tags are renewed on a 4 year system, come Spring of the year your boat tag expires the DEP will mail you a renewal form. You simply must initial the boxes stating the information provided has not changed and mail it back to the DEP - Kingston Office. Soon after you’ll receive your new sticker in the mail. There is a similar process for access permits. You will be contacted by mail or email that your permit is expiring and it is your responsibility to renew. Access permits expire every 5 years. It is very important you keep your information current with the DEP in order to keep your boats. If you move let the DEP know you change of address as soon as possible.
WHEN YOU CAN USE YOUR BOAT
You are allowed to be on East of Hudson reservoirs 24/7 and year round, unless you have to pull the boat over ice to get to open water. Chances are you don’t want to be on a boat anyway when it’s that cold. If you are one of the brave that still want to be out on a boat in the winter, just make sure you aren’t breaking any ice to get to open water. If the waters edge isn’t frozen in your section but is in another, you are allowed to use your boat.
LIFEJACKETS
Ages 12 and under are required to wear lifejackets at all times. Ages 13 and older are not required to wear lifejackets from May 1st through October 31st but you must have them onboard. Everyone is required to wear a lifejacket from November 1st through April 30th.
DEP ANGLER MAPS. EACH NUMBER REPRESENTS A BOAT MOORING LOCATION. MOST AREAS ARE ONLY ACCESSIBLE THROUGH THE WAITING LIST APPLICATION WHICH YOU WILL FIND AT THE LINK ABOVE. *** SOME RESERVOIRS HAVE A WAITING LIST OF UP TO 40 YEARS, OTHERS MAY BE ACCESSIBLE IMMEDIATELY *** FILL OUT THE APPLICATION AND MAIL IT TO THE ADDRESS LISTED ON THE PAGE. WE RECOMMEND CHECKING THE BOX THAT READS “I WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED FOR ANY OPENINGS ON THE SELECTED RESERVOIR.” YOU MUST SUBMIT AN APPLICATION FOR EACH RESERVOIR YOU WISH TO PLACE A BOAT ON.
